The AK-47 and AK74 Kalashnikov Rifles and Their Variations

by Joe Poyer

The AK-47 and AK-74 Kalashnikov Rifles and Their Variations provides a detailed, profusely illustrated examination on a part-by-part basis of the famed AK-47/AKM rifles, the AK-74/AK-74M series and the new Century series of rifles, the AK-101 through AK-108. It is another in North Cape Publications, Inc., Shooter's and Collector's Guide series. Every AK/AKM-type rifle manufactured in the Warsaw Pact countries plus the People's Republic of China, Finland, Iraq, North Korea and Yugoslavia are described in detail, with a short history on the reason for, and the process of their development and use. This new, 4th edition is expanded to include he latest developments in the AK47/AK74 platform including the Century series and the AK12. Also included is new information regarding the scope and use the Kalashnikov series of rifles plus information gleaned from the use of the AK-47 in Iraq and Afghanistan by insurgents. Mikhail Kalashnikov is one of the foremost small arms designer's in the world. His Kalashnikov action has been widely imitated. This book also includes detailed descriptions of rifles based on his design such as the Belgian FNC, the Israeli Galil, the Indonesian SS1 series, the Indian INAS, the Swedish Ak-5, the Swiss SG-550 series, Singapore's SAR series and many others. The book also includes separate chapters that describe the accessaries issued to each soldier, the entire range of Kalashnikov bayonets, telescopic sights (both military and commercial, the sniper rifle variants and their telescopic sights produced by the old Soviet Union as well as other nations. An exploded view, serial numbers and markings, an assembly/disassembly guide with photos, instructions on cleaning, maintenance and repair, and shooting the Kalashnikov rifles and a guide to legislation affecting these rifles and finally, sources for accessories and parts complete the book.

200 pages, Perfect Paperback

First published August 1, 2004

About the author

Joseph John Poyer was an American author whose fiction first appeared in Analog magazine with Mission 'Red Clash' (1965). His novels include technothrillers such as Operation Malacca (1968) and North Cape (1969), and the alternate-history work Tunnel War (1979).

Reviews

[Michael O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has got to be the definitive book on the AK-47 family of rifles. It exhaustively covers the history, development, variations, nomenclature, care, use, and maintenance of these rifles. It is easy to read, and very interesting. Definitely, for any owner of one of these fine weapons, this book should be a part of their library!

[Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book covering the history if the AK-47, AK-74 and their variants. The book also covers accessories like bayonets. Considering the Grim Reaper costs $250-400 dollars. Poyer's book is an outstanding alternative at around $14 which is what I paid. If you have an interest in comblock related history get this book.

[Cody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very detailed and well written history of the Kalashnikov and many of its variants.